How Can I Use Data From The National Assessment Of Educational Progress (NAEP) To Create A More Nuanced And Contextualized Evaluation Of School District Performance, Given That The Current Metrics Used By Our State's Accountability System Rely Heavily On Aggregate Scores And Fail To Account For Student Subgroup Disparities?

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To create a more nuanced evaluation of school district performance using NAEP data, follow this organized approach:

  1. Access NAEP Data:

    • Utilize the NAEP Data Explorer to obtain detailed data by district, state, and student subgroups, including race/ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, English language learners, and students with disabilities.

  2. Analyze Subgroup Performance:

    • Compare performance across different subgroups within each district to identify disparities. For example, examine score differences between Hispanic and White students or between students eligible for free/reduced lunch and those who are not.

  3. Examine Trends Over Time:

    • Assess whether all subgroups are improving at similar rates. Determine if interventions are benefiting all groups or if certain subgroups need additional support.

  4. Consider District Context:

    • Compare districts with similar demographics to ensure fair evaluations. Group districts by factors like socioeconomic status or percentage of English language learners.

  5. Evaluate Achievement Gaps:

    • Calculate and monitor the differences in scores between subgroups over time to identify narrowing or widening gaps, indicating areas needing attention.

  6. Visualize Data Effectively:

    • Use charts, graphs, and interactive dashboards to present trends and gaps clearly. Consider case studies for in-depth insights into specific districts.

  7. Integrate with Other Data Sources:

    • Combine NAEP data with local assessments, graduation rates, and other metrics for a comprehensive evaluation.

  8. Leverage Resources and Collaboration:

    • Use existing tools, research, and frameworks. Collaborate with educators, policymakers, and the community to enhance analysis and ensure actionable outcomes.

  9. Communicate Findings Clearly:

    • Present results in an accessible format, highlighting both successes and areas for improvement to guide resource allocation and support.

By following this structured approach, you can develop a more comprehensive and nuanced evaluation system that addresses subgroup disparities and provides valuable insights for stakeholders.